With the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games being delayed by a year, 16-year-old Ezra Frech was able to qualify among the world’s best adaptive athletes to compete at this year’s games. Ezra has dedicated himself to his Paralympic journey since age 11. Frech was born with a condition called Congenital Limb Differences, missing his left knee and most of his left hand. At two-years-old he underwent surgery to amputate most of his left leg and transplant a toe to serve as his finger.

The 16 year old’s five year dream and journey to represent the United States on the World’s stage in Tokyo came to reality over the past week as he competed in both the Long Jump and High Jump. Frech finished 8th in the Long Jump, jumping 5.85 meters against many competitors nearly double his age.

As if being a world class athlete wasn’t enough, alongside his father Clayton Frech, Ezra founded Angel City Sports, dedicated to providing adaptive athletics opportunities to athletes of all abilities. Over the course of a decade the Los Angeles based organization has served thousands of disabled athletes worldwide. Ezra often spends mentoring and advocating to empower people with disabilities.

Frech’s Paralympic competition concluded 8/31 on a rainy night in Tokyo as he performed in his top event, the High Jump, competing alongside his long time friend, mentor, and University of Michigan Medical Student Sam Grewe. Ezra finished just off the podium in 5th place jumping a personal best 1.80 meters, while Grewe took home the gold on a dramatic final jump.

In a recent interview with The Today Show Frech said “I will never shy away from my dreams no matter how scary or crazy they may seem.” The future is bright for this young man and we cannot wait to see what is next for Ezra Frech.